If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above.
Want to be a registered member? See the FAQ for instructions.
To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
Be sure to read the Terms of Service before using VFTT.org.

Forgotten Password?

If you have forgotten your password, please click here to send an e-mail requesting your password be reset. Please include your screen name. If your current e-mail address is not the one registered with vftt, you should include the registered one in the body of your password request. You must supply one verifiable piece of information - e-mail address or birthday - in addition to the username - for security reasons.

Hiking and Safety Tips for New Hikers

Views From The Top recommends that all hikers read and familiarize themselves with the hikeSafe web site before venturing into the back country. Remember that in NH, Fish and Game can and will charge you for some or all expense(s) incurred if you need to be rescued.

Spam Reduction Implementation

In order to post anonymously, as in all of the Trail Conditions and Lost and Found forums, one must now pass the image verification test. This is to prevent the spam bots from overrunning these anonymous-access forums.

Mount Mansfield, 2/11/17

Mount Mansfield, 2/11/17 via Sunset Ridge/ Laura Cowles
Random Group of Hikers, party of 5.
We hiked via Underhill State Park. There were about a dozen parking spots plowed out but people were also parking alongside the road at the end of the plowed area as well with no problems. We hiked up the unplowed part of the road, which was packed out by skiers, thence the Eagle Cut, CCC Road, Sunset Ridge, Long Trail, and down via Laura Cowles. All were moderately packed out but unconsolidated on top. Snowshoes were the right tool for the day. The exposed parts of Sunset Ridge were windblown with lots of ice showing on all exposed rock until the right turn just below the LT, which was characteristically drifted in. We managed the ice with only a little difficulty but would recommend spikes or crampons if descending the same. We had about 0.25 mi visibility on lower Sunset diminishing to nearly zero with almost absolute whiteout on the summit. Passed a few hikers descending who had admitted difficulty in finding their way back down--one group "wandered around for an hour." We could not find the junction sign between Sunset & LT & used GPS to find the summit & in reverse to find Laura Cowles junction. Any cairns were indistinguishably buried on the LT. Would have been extremely difficult to know our position without GPS. Our original intent was to traverse the ridge south to Maple Ridge but abandoned that plan and descended Laura Cowles instead. A few short icy pitches near the top of LC; the rest was a series of perfect, snowy butt-sliding luges and and easy walk out. Passed several unprepared-looking folk on the descent. Snow depth below was around 1.5, about 2.0 with much deeper drifts up high. Firm material underneath with a few inches of fresh powder on top.
Shoeless Paul pgagnon999@outlook.com
Photos: https://www.meetup.com/rndmhkrs/events/237082033/